Space Station Executes Evasive Maneuver

The International Space Station (ISS) performed an avoidance maneuver on November 19 to steer clear of space debris from a defunct satellite. The maneuver involved firing the thrusters of the docked Progress 89 spacecraft to adjust the ISS's orbit, ensuring a safe distance from the debris, which could have come within 2.5 miles of the station. This Pre-determined Debris Avoidance Maneuver (PDAM) did not disrupt ISS activities or affect the upcoming launch of the Progress 90 cargo craft. The growing issue of space debris is prompting efforts to improve tracking and develop debris-clearing systems.